10 things to do in London this month – May 2015

With rooftop bars opening up and bank holidays everywhere we look, Summer in London seems almost upon us. This month’s ‘Top Ten Things to do in London’ list is all about celebrating what our city has to offer during these lighter evenings and slightly less precipitous days.

Final Season The Paperworks

2015 will mark the end of The Paperworks, a pop up run by the Corsica Studios nightclub. Boasting a fine selection of street food and drinks alongside great DJs and musicians, The Paperworks has, in just two years, become one of South London’s best spots. If you can’t make it to the party, head down one afternoon over the weekend for a reliably good time.

Elephant & Castle, from May 1st – Free

Dalston Yard Street Feast

Friday will also mark the opening night of East London mainstay Street Feast. Happening every weekend until late September, there’s no need to rush. However, like the blossom on the trees and the morning chirp of birds, the re-opening of Street Feast is as good a sign as any that summer is on the way. If that’s not something worth celebrating, we don’t know what is. Delicious eats and even better atmosphere make Street Feast one of May’s top ten things to do.

Dalston Yard, from May 1st – Free

The Alice Look

An exhibition exploring how Wonderland’s most famous patron has become a fashion icon in the 150 years since her creation. To mark the book’s anniversary, a number of garments, photographs and illustrations will be going on display this May. Alongside this will be a look at how others have chosen to re-interpret Alice, and her famous sundress, throughout the past century and a half.

V&A Museum of Childhood, from May 2nd – Free

London Craft Week

This brand new, weeklong festival aims to cater for the whims and fancies of London’s crafty types. For it’s sheer diversity alone, London Craft Week would have deserved a spot on our list of top ten things to do in May. Spread across various London venues, from famous galleries to tiny workshops, the event will showcase a broad mix of ancient skills and new practices.

Various locations, May 6th-10th – Prices vary

Urban Village Fete

A real ale tent, live music, the smell of bbq drifting on the spring breeze; could there be better things to do in May than welcoming Spring with a good old Urban Village Fete? Taking place in Greenwich, with crafty things, food and booze aplenty, promises to be a fitting affair for the season.

Greenwich, May 10th – Free

Spin London

Lycra at the ready, Spin London is most definitely one of our top ten things to do in May. An event born out of a desire to celebrate all things bicycle, Spin London is a must do event for cyclists of every level. Attendees can expect live music, competitions, food and, of course, bikes.

New Oxford Street, May 8-10th – Free

Museums at Night: Mad Men and Bad Men

Like informative, topical discussion? Like informative, topical discussion heaped in scandal and enjoyed with booze? Well then, the thing for you to do this May should come in the form of Notting Hill Museum’s edition of the Museums at Night festival. The event will see the museum staying open till late for a talk on British Politics and its collision with advertising. Speaking from first-hand experience of both politics and advertising, writer Sam Delaney will host the discussion.

Notting Hill Museum, May 14th – £10

Riviera Style: Resort and Swimwear since 1900

Wetting our palettes for the summer ahead, this exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum brings together over 100 years of beachwear. Leaving no Riviera untouched, the display covers styles from across Europe – the Cote d’Azur, the Ligurian Riviera, Cornwall, you name it. Expect a fine blend of Edwardian cover-ups, sarongs and modern swimsuits.

Fashion and Textile Museum, from May 22nd – £8.80 adults, £5.50 students

Rayne: Shoes for Stars

The Shoes for Stars exhibition sets out to explore the legacy of British brand Rayne, chosen footwear of the Queen among others. Celebrating an iconic 20th Century style staple for women like Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh, Brigitte Bardot and, of course, HRH, the exhibition features over 100 brilliant pieces, both old and new.

Fashion and Textile Museum, from May 22nd – £8.80 adults, £5.50 students

Hope in Heels

A chance to show off a pair of your most outlandish heels for a good cause, Hope In Heels will raise money in aid of HOPEHIV. Open to any sex, the event will see contestants run, walk… stagger around the 2.4km course. Hydration stops will be dotted around the course offering jelly shots from the parched. Post race, there’s opportunity to indulge in manicures, pedicures and foot rubs. Let’s face it, you’ll need them.